Parenting is one of life’s greatest challenges—and one of its greatest callings. Every day, in the midst of making meals, checking homework, and tucking little ones into bed, parents are shaping the hearts and souls of the next generation. The love you give, the prayers you whisper, and the example you set will echo far beyond your lifetime.
In his new book, The Upward Arrow: A Way of Holiness For Every Home, Fr. Colum Power explores what it means to raise children in faith, even amid the messiness of daily life. He calls it “holiness in the domestic battle”—the struggle to uphold the sacred amidst the secular.
But here’s the truth: it is in the small, daily acts of faith that God works the most powerfully.
The Domestic Church: Where Faith Begins
The Church teaches that parents are the first and most important educators of their children in the faith. Before they ever step into a classroom or hear a homily, children absorb what they see at home. They watch how we pray, how we love, and how we turn to God in both joy and suffering.
Fr. Colum understood this deeply. Growing up as the fifth of nine boys, he witnessed firsthand the power of faithful, loving parents. His mother and father weren’t theologians or scholars, but they were “spiritual warriors” who lived their faith with quiet consistency. Their simple, unwavering witness left an impression that would shape his entire life.
As he writes in The Upward Arrow, it’s not the grand gestures or theological lectures that form a child’s soul—it’s the day-to-day moments of faithfulness.
Small Acts, Big Impact
So what does this look like in daily life? Here are a few small but powerful ways to shape your children’s faith:
- Morning Offerings Together – Start the day by thanking God for His blessings and asking for His guidance. A simple prayer before breakfast can teach gratitude and trust.
- A Family Culture of Prayer – Praying the Rosary, the Angelus, or a bedtime prayer builds rhythms of faith that children carry into adulthood.
- Going to Mass as a Family – More than just an obligation, attending Mass together teaches children that worship is a priority, not an afterthought.
- Leading by Example – Children learn more from what we do than what we say. When they see parents turning to God in hardship, choosing kindness, and living with integrity, they absorb these lessons.
- Speaking About God Naturally – Faith shouldn’t be a compartmentalized topic, but a natural part of daily conversations. When a beautiful sunset appears, say, “Look at the masterpiece God painted today!” These small moments form a worldview centered on God’s presence.
Raising Arrows That Fly Toward Heaven
In The Upward Arrow, Fr. Colum describes children as arrows that parents send forth into the world. Our role is to shape, steady, and aim them toward Christ, giving them the foundation to soar toward Heaven.
This isn’t always easy. Parenting in today’s world comes with challenges—distractions, cultural pressures, and doubts. But Fr. Colum’s wisdom reminds us that God’s grace is always at work. Even in the chaos of daily life, every act of love, every whispered prayer, and every moment of faithfulness plants seeds that will bear fruit in time.
Your Love Matters More Than You Know
Parents, never underestimate the power of your love. The faith you pass down is the greatest legacy you can leave.
If you’re looking for encouragement, wisdom, and a roadmap for raising faithful children, The Upward Arrow is a must-read. Fr. Colum’s storytelling—filled with humor, deep insight, and real-life experiences—will inspire and challenge you to embrace your role as the first and most important shepherd of your children’s souls.
